Škoda Auto India Unveils the New Kushaq with Segment-First Features, Modern Solid Design and Enhanced Safety

Mumbai: Škoda Auto India has introduced the new Kushaq, significantly redefining value, safety, driving dynamics and in-car technology in the midsize SUV segment. As the brand’s first product under the India 2.0 strategy, the Kushaq has been instrumental in Škoda’s growth in the country and continues to advance the company’s mission of democratising European engineering for Indian customers.

With multiple segment-first technologies, upgraded design cues and enhanced standard equipment, the new Kushaq strengthens Škoda Auto India’s SUV portfolio alongside the Kodiaq and Kylaq, catering to a wide range of customer aspirations and price points.

India: A Key Growth Market for Škoda Auto

Commenting on the launch, Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, highlighted India’s strategic importance for the brand’s global expansion.

“The updated Kushaq reinforces the importance of India as the springboard for Škoda Auto’s international growth. With new Modern Solid design elements, enhanced infotainment and driver assistance features, we are setting a new benchmark for the Kushaq’s value proposition,” Zellmer said.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, added that the new Kushaq reflects evolving customer aspirations across urban and regional India.

“With the new Kushaq, we continue to offer a class-leading range of real automatics, European safety standards and premium features as standard, making advanced technology more accessible to Indian customers,” he said.

Modern Solid Design with Monte Carlo Flair

The new Kushaq adopts Modern Solid design cues, featuring a redesigned front grille with chrome ribs and an Illuminated Light Band, new LED headlights, front parking sensors and LED fog lamps. At the rear, connected LED taillamps with sequential indicators and illuminated ‘Škoda’ lettering enhance visual appeal.

All variants now get standard alloy wheels, while the popular Monte Carlo badge is available from the start of sales. The SUV is offered in three new colours—Shimla Green, Steel Grey and Cherry Red—alongside existing shades including Candy White, Lava Blue and Deep Black.

Segment-First 8-Speed Automatic and Proven TSI Engines

Designed to deliver engaging driving dynamics and versatility, the new Kushaq retains 188 mm ground clearance and strong high-speed stability. A key highlight is the segment-first eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, paired with the 1.0-litre TSI engine producing 85 kW and 178 Nm of torque. This engine is also available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Performance-focused customers can opt for the 1.5-litre TSI engine, delivering 110 kW and 250 Nm, paired exclusively with a seven-speed DSG transmission. The 1.5 TSI variants now also feature disc brakes on all four wheels, reinforcing Škoda’s commitment to performance and safety.

Enhanced Cabin Experience and Digital Cockpit

Inside, the new Kushaq elevates comfort with an all-new panoramic sunroof, dual-colour ambient lighting, and six-way electric front seats with ventilation. The SUV offers a generous 491 litres of boot space, expandable to 1,405 litres, enhancing everyday practicality.

Higher variants feature a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, while mid variants get an 8-inch digital display, ensuring intuitive access to driving information. A premium Škoda sound system with six speakers and a subwoofer enhances in-cabin entertainment.

AI-Powered Infotainment with Google Automotive

The new Kushaq is equipped with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, powered by a next-generation digital architecture. At its core is an advanced AI voice assistant powered by Google Automotive AI Agent, bringing Gemini into the vehicle for context-aware voice interactions.

The system delivers real-time information such as news and trends, supports hands-free control of vehicle functions, and is optimised to recognise Indian English accents, combining global technology with local relevance.

Five-Star Safety and Comprehensive Ownership Package

Safety remains a key pillar, with the new Kushaq continuing to meet five-star Global NCAP standards. It offers over 25 safety features as standard, including six airbags, with higher variants featuring over 40 safety technologies. Visibility-enhancing features such as rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper, rear defogger and auto-dimming IRVM are now standard across variants.

Ownership is further simplified with the Škoda Super Care package, which includes: